CPCB Facilities and Resources

Examining macroinvertebrates under the dissecting microscope.

Our facilities and other resources consist of office space, an ecotoxicology laboratory, a macroinvertebrate laboratory, an array of field equipment for stream and lake work, as well as the expertise and resources of the other programs within the Kansas Biological Survey.

Offices and labs are equipped with state-of-the-art computers and software that are used to maintain databases for USEPA Region 7, write proposals, design research projects, develop educational materials, and maintain sampling protocols and workshop proceedings on our web pages. Several conference rooms also are available for our use both at the Kansas Biological Survey and throughout the University of Kansas campus.

The Ecotoxicology Laboratory provides 1,400 square feet of space and is equipped with an ion chromatograph, HPLC system, total carbon analyzer, extraction and digestion apparatus, fluorometer, and other standard analytical laboratory equipment and glassware. Routine work performed in the lab includes analyses for major ions, primary nutrients, plant pigments, pesticides and herbicides in water, sediment and soil. Environmental chambers and other equipment support a full range of aquatic toxicity testing.

The macroinvertebrate lab is an essential part of the research efforts ongoing at the center and the Biological Survey. It is used for the sorting and taxonomic identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects, snails, bivalves, etc.). Stream samples collected in the field are brought into this lab for processing. Once these samples have been sorted and counted, the individual specimens are identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level by staff macroinvertebrate taxonomists. Projects have included the REMAP Kansas Project, the Nutrient Streams Project, and the USEPA National River and Streams Survey. This lab has also provided specimens and taxonomic support to community groups interested in water quality issues.

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